DP World has agreed to acquire the existing site from Turkish steel producer Erdemir for a net cash consideration of US$105 million following a highly competitive bidding process, and with it the rights to develop a new container terminal.
Subject to all necessary final approvals, DP World expects to start work on the development of the site in 2006 and the terminal is expect to commence operations in early 2008. The terminal will be the first in Turkey to be wholly owned by an international operator.
The move into Turkey is in line with DP World's strategy of investing in growth markets such as Eastern Europe and China. The new terminal at Yarimca will facilitate the growing local industrial activity which is currently under served by container terminal capacity.
This announcement follows DP World's recommended offer for the P&O Group yesterday, which when completed will make DP World a top three global port operator.
Istanbul based Pragma Corporate Finance provided investment banking and financial advisory services to DP World for the initiation of the deal, negotiations and closing.
Commenting on the acquisition, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai Board of Ports and Free Zones, said:
'This project is in line with our long term strategy, which is based on the need to be where our customers need us to be with the quality services they have come to expect of DP World. We are particularly focused on developing our network of terminals in growth markets such as Europe and Asia and we see Turkey as an exciting opportunity for our company.'
Mohammad Sharaf, CEO, DP World, said: 'I am delighted that we have now completed this acquisition. This means that, subject to all federal and local government approvals, work can start on the construction of the new Yarimca terminal which is our first investment in Turkey. When completed, this facility will give DP World a very strong platform to service our customers' operations in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Our commitment to investing in this project is long term and I look forward to working closely with the authorities in Turkey to develop Yarimca into a key regional trading hub, and to further participate in the privatization of TCDD.'
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Posted by Janeta Novakovic, Assistant News Editor


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